Recently, someone who I work with was telling me how they want to have 11 children. Personally I was in mild shock because I was wondering how they would support this number of children on their current budget. Maybe they were thinking of the number they wanted if they won the lottery. I was also baffled because I couldn't figure out how in the world this person who could barely handle 3 kids a time would even try to have more than that. I know there's a book about it taking a small village to raise a child, but you don't have to have your own village.
I guess I had this strong reaction because recently I've seen some parental examples that have left much to be desired. I can only imagine what it must be like growing up, day in day out feeling helpless and trapped in a bad situation that you have no control over. And before anyone starts jumping all over me, no I don't have any children of my own, but I have helped raise 3 and I've been working with children for more years than I care to tell you because then you'll know my age. But I don't need to be a parent to see when a child is hurting.
Sometimes I feel so ineffective when I see them struggling and unsure and I can't really do much of anything and it's pretty hard to try to reassure them that things will get better. I look into young eyes that should show eager inquisitiveness and I see cynicism and hopelessness. I've observed the arbitrary methods that some parents use with their children. I try to tell myself that it's merely a misguided but serious attempt to raise them correctly, though I know it isn't.
Then I am amazed at a child's ability to overcome all of these things and still have dreams and goals. To not give into the despair of their circumstances.
It's been a rough week. Feel free to comment.
As always have a good day and enjoy.
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